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Hamels Throws – Will Miss Opening Day
By J Platt on March 30th, 2009 10:40 PM |
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Cole Hamels made his return. The Phillies ace, who missed a week due to a sore elbow, took the mound this morning in 
a minor league game against the Yankees.
Hamels threw 64 pitches over four innings where he allowed three runs on ten hits. He also struck out five. While this isn’t a line we’re used to seeing out of the World Series MVP, this start had nothing to do with stats. It’s all about stretching Hamels out, and more importantly pitching pain-free. Hamels felt good after the start, so it leaves one more start, on April 4th against the Rays, before he’ll make his season debut against the Rockies on April 10th.
“I think that’s going to be a big start for me — that exhibition game — to really prepare me for the season,” Hamels said. “I really do think that will really get me ready, going out there and competing at the big league level and starting off the season right.”
With Hamels officially out for Opening Day, the question is who will be the Opening Day starter. Early indications were last year’s Opening Day starter, Brett Myers, would take the hill, but pitching coach Rich Dubee indicated there’s also a chance it could be Joe Blanton (who was the Oakland Athletics Opening Day starter last season).
Blanton has had a strong spring, going 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA this spring. What’s more impressive is his 11/2, K/BB ratio. Although he took the loss, Blanton was dominant last Sunday against the Red Sox, allowing two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Myers has also looked strong this spring going 1-2 with a 3.79 ERA.
Personally I think Blanton might be the better option to open the season. He’s been more consistant this spring and it might take a little pressure off Myers, not having the light shine on him in first game of baseball’s 2009 season. The decision will probably me made on Wednesday after Myers starts tomorrow night against the Blue Jays.
The only start who has a set spot is Jamie Moyer. Moyer will start on April 7th (the second game of the season). Whichever pitcher doesn’t pitch the opener will follow Moyer on the 8th, with Hamels making his debut on Friday the 10th.
